New Platinum tier partners show enhanced skills to offer and support BlackBerry's cross platform security and productivity solutions

WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 10, 2016) - BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB), a global leader in secure mobile communications, today announced the first wave of Platinum achievements for partners as a result of the renewed Enterprise Partner Program for solutions providers. The program was launched in May and with ISEC7, GFI, GENOA and novalink, already four global partners are now ranked in the top tier level. This highest tier recognizes partners that are qualified to deliver the complete BlackBerry portfolio of competencies and have the most in-depth technology skills and expertise. These long term partners continue to demonstrate commitment on delivering industry leading secure mobility solutions from BlackBerry to customers.

"We are excited that ISEC7, GFI, GENOA and novalink achieved Platinum level in our Enterprise Partner Program by providing excellent consulting, professional services, and support and software lifecycle management opportunities for customers moving to mobile business," said Richard McLeod, Vice President Global Channels at BlackBerry.

To become a Platinum Partner, solutions providers need to build competencies on several disciplines to be a BlackBerry Support Professional, BlackBerry System Integration Professional, BlackBerry Technical Sales Professional and BlackBerry Advanced Sales expert. These four partners have made significant investment in building capabilities for BlackBerry´s secure mobility platform and will benefit from the closest relationship with BlackBerry including an incremental service discount with Support Services. This is their feedback on partnering with BlackBerry.

"ΓÇïΓÇïThe Platinum Solutions Provider designation will give us a branding advantage in the market, while the new accreditations and competencies included in the BlackBerry Enterprise Partner Program will further improve our capabilities and help us stand out from the crowd," explained Marco Gocht, CEO, ISEC7 Group AG.

"We are delighted to have received the achievement of Platinum Solutions Provider. This confirms the long term trustworthy and solid partnership as well as the mutual appreciation between GFI and BlackBerry. Customers of GFI benefit from this continued highest available partner accreditation by receiving superior mobility consulting, support and development services and get linked to the best in class security and mobility solutions from BlackBerry," said Jan Ratzke, CEO, GFI Informationsdesign GmbH.

"It is important for us to provide our customers with the best full-service for secure mobility management. We are delighted to be the first authorized Platinum Solutions Provider for BlackBerry in Austria. Through our close relationship with BlackBerry and this certification we are able to proof and optimize our in-depth skills and expertise. We stand for solutions on the highest level for the benefit of our customers," added Elmar Jilka, CEO, GENOA net works IT-Beratungs GmbH.

"Being a Swiss company, novalink puts high value on comprehensive expert service as well as customer focus. Partners and clients are being constantly and personally supported in the whole cycle of sales, support, development and workshops. Working with the right partner is important and our new BlackBerry Platinum Solutions Provider status demonstrates that novalink is even more present on the Swiss market and conquers new customer segments," said Christoph Hodel, CEO, novalink GmbH.

As part of the ongoing commitment to provide customers with world-class secure mobility solutions via accredited partners, BlackBerry will continue to invest in building out competencies and providing enhanced resources and support for Platinum Partners. This gives partners the right competitive advantage in the market.

BlackBerry is securing a connected world, delivering innovative solutions across the entire mobile ecosystem and beyond. We secure the world's most sensitive data across all end points - from cars to smartphones - making the mobile-first enterprise vision a reality. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The Company trades under the ticker symbols "BB" on the Toronto Stock Exchange and "BBRY" on the NASDAQ. For more information, visit www.BlackBerry.com.

BlackBerry and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of BlackBerry Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.